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MoistChikin

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So I bought a 88 STX 2.9 with the 5 speed, this is my first truck I've had no issues till now. Now I've got a crazy misfire and I can't seem to find it, I've done plugs wires but its still missing. When it misses there seems to be large gaps between firing and looses power.

I fixed a few vacuum leaks then I did mass air pressure sensor and did plugs again because it started running extremely rich. I'm starting to think something is wrong with my distributor/ignition control module but I'm not sure. So from what I've found I've got to take of my plenum to get to the distributor?

Also my clutch needs to be replaced soon I've herd a 4.0 clutch can be adapted to a 2.9? How dose that work??

I'm just looking for some help here possibly any other solutions? Or suggestions to make this truck a good daily driver would be appreciated.

I've also done all the basic maintenance stuff oil change, air filter and general cleaning
 
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rusty ol ranger

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Pull the vacuum line off your fuel pressure regulator (FPR) and see if there is fuel in it.

if there is the regulators blown and thats the cause of it being rich.

Or you can use a pressure gauge....the FPR on my B2 was bad but had no fuel in the vacuum line....but pressure was WAY high.

As for the clutch...i think it involves swapping the flywheel for a 4.0 flywheel but im not sure.
 

MoistChikin

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Ok thanks you that's good to know. What are some good places for parts? Or ingeneral places that have stuff for these older trucks?
 

rusty ol ranger

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Ok thanks you that's good to know. What are some good places for parts? Or ingeneral places that have stuff for these older trucks?
Rockauto, Advancedoreileyzone, napa, etc.

Alot of junkyards atleast in my area dont have much of anything anymore pre 2000, if thats the case in your area then youre basically SOL with them.

Ebay is also a good one for odds and end stuff.
 

MaicoDoug

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Try tuning your radio to AM to any frequency with no station listening to static and listen for ignition noise when it misfires. Coils & wires are a simple fix. Look for any dark colored exhaust smoke that will indicate excess fuel. Those aluminum heads like to strip out at the spark plug holes also. Takes a bit of back & forth with lubrication to extract the plug and leave the threads intact working from below.
 

MoistChikin

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ok that is good to know I will be trying to figure out how to record my truck misfiring just so yall can see and hear it. some one stole my muffler last night and just driving to work there is this coal like stuff. I will be updating this then I can get some pictures of my exhaust and driving with the misfire. also because someone stole my exhaust, what sounds good? as far as exhaust diameter glass pack or another type of muffler?

I will try listening for ignition noises but I'm not sure exactly what that means, will I hear something through the radio? Any tips to get the display working because mire works but the display doesn't anymore at first it was really dim.

I'm also wondering if I should try cleaning my injectors while I have my plenum off and try doing distributor cap rotor and ignition control module, as well as valve cover gaskets.
 
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Cees Klumper

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You don't need to take the intake plenum off to remove the distributor.
 

rusty ol ranger

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177 CID
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Manual
2WD / 4WD
2WD
My credo
A legend to the old man, a hero to the child...
ok that is good to know I will be trying to figure out how to record my truck misfiring just so yall can see and hear it. some one stole my muffler last night and just driving to work there is this coal like stuff. I will be updating this then I can get some pictures of my exhaust and driving with the misfire. also because someone stole my exhaust, what sounds good? as far as exhaust diameter glass pack or another type of muffler?

I will try listening for ignition noises but I'm not sure exactly what that means, will I hear something through the radio? Any tips to get the display working because mire works but the display doesn't anymore at first it was really dim.

I'm also wondering if I should try cleaning my injectors while I have my plenum off and try doing distributor cap rotor and ignition control module, as well as valve cover gaskets.
"coal like substance" would be carbon. Thats what happens when its running pig rich.

Before you tear into it hard i would check the FPR, 75% of the time thats the reason a 2.9 is running rich.

If that checks out spend the 35 bucks on a code reader for EEC IV systems. I like the innova 3145....makes getting and reading codes dirt simple, and should help you pinpoint somewhat whats going on.

As for the ignition noise in the radio, youll know it when you hear it...its very electrical sounding. Kinda hard to explain. But AM will pick up all sorta of weird electrical signals....so i wouldnt rely 100% on that test.

As for the radio display, if you remove the radio and pull the case off youll find a little tiny lightbulb behind the LCD display, its probably burnt out.
 

MoistChikin

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sorry for the gap but the truck is worse now I will be adding vids of what is was doing what is started doing then the next day. I replaced my manifold pressure sensor idle air control i forgot to say that. IM unsure why but I cant add my videos.
 
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